Modernist African-Style Carved Wood 'Shhh' Mask

This is a hand-carved decorative wooden mask featuring a stylized human face in a gesture of silence, with a finger raised to the lips. The piece is crafted from a single solid block of medium-density hardwood, exhibiting a dark, varied brown finish with hints of gray and reddish undertones. Its physical form is characterized by an elongated oval head with a flat forehead, geometric almond-shaped eyes that are closed or slit, and a prominent, sharp triangular nose. Below the nose, a carved hand emerges from a cylindrical neck base, with a single index finger resting against the center of the bow-shaped mouth. The construction demonstrates visible chisel marks and a rustic, hand-hewn surface texture rather than a fine machine polish, which is characteristic of contemporary folk art or artisanal export goods. Condition-wise, the wood shows a natural developing patina with some superficial scratches and dust accumulation in the recessed areas. There are no significant cracks or structural repairs visible, though the bottom edge of the neck shows rough vertical graining. While it mimics traditional West African sculptural styles, it lacks specific tribal markings, suggesting it is a late 20th-century decorative object intended for the global decor market. The craftsmanship is solid, focusing on symbolic form and expressive minimalist lines.